SD-56: 1199 Endorses Cooney

The politically influential labor union 1199SEIU this week endorsed Democratic state Senate candidate Jeremy Cooney, who is seeking a seat in a Rochester-area district.

Cooney received the backing of the labor union over Republican incumbent Joe Robach, a GOP lawmaker with ties to labor who has received the backing of 1199 in the past.

“The members of 1199SEIU are looking forward to Jeremy Cooney being a strong voice for Healthcare workers in Albany,” said Jerald Drain, an environmental service worker and the chair of 1199SEIU at Strong Hospital. “Although we have supported his opponent in the past, our members felt strongly that in the current political environment Jeremy Cooney’s strong support of unions and his deep understanding of our member’s priorities earned him our endorsement.”

The labor union, among others this election cycle, has backed a push to aid a Democratic takeover of the state Senate this year. Republicans hold a narrow one-seat majority in the chamber.

“I am humbled to have 1199SEIU’s endorsement. It is an incredible honor to be working with a major force in organized labor. I was raised in a union household and I’m committed to investing in working people here in Rochester,” Cooney said.

“We must help workers build the skills they need to be successful and create opportunities for them and their families. We need to work together and be creative to allow everyone in Rochester to participate in the economic growth of our region.”